AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee voted unanimously Monday to move forward a measure from Rep. Ed Crockett, D-Portland, to increase pay for certain support staff in Maine schools.
LD 974 would increase pay for educational technicians to 200% of the state minimum wage and for hourly school support staff to 150% of the state minimum wage. The increases would take effect on July 1, 2024 and address a key issue facing education in Maine, with school districts across the state struggling to recruit ed techs and other critical support staff positions.
"The support staff in our schools are the backbone of our classrooms and our educational system," said Crockett. "They provide incredible support for our teachers and students but hardly earn enough to even meet their basic living expenses. This committee vote is an important first step in our long-term pursuit to improve Maine's pay structure for ed techs and other critical support staff, bringing us closer to providing them with the compensation they deserve."
The bill will move to the full Legislature for consideration in the coming weeks.
Crockett is a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business and the Joint Standing Committee on Taxation. He is serving his third term in the Maine House and represents parts of Portland and Falmouth.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Crockett], c. 305-965-2744